China Displays Its Military Might At Its Largest Zhuhai Airshow, High-Tech Weapons Include Stealth Fighters And A Massive Mothership Drone!

At last week’s Zhuhai Airshow, China showcased its rapidly advancing military capabilities, revealing a host of cutting-edge technology that signals its growing strength on the global stage.

The biennial event, held in the southern city of Zhuhai, has become a prominent platform for China to demonstrate its military and industrial prowess, offering a rare public glimpse into the country’s rising influence.

As Beijing continues to modernize its armed forces, many of the new weapons displayed are seen as being developed to rival the United States, perhaphs also reflecting China’s growing ambitions to expand its military presence in Asia. This year’s airshow showcased a vast array of advanced weaponry, including fighter jets, missiles, and, for the first time, a dedicated section for drones—an indication of their growing role in modern warfare, including in conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine and any future disputes over Taiwan.

The six-day exhibition drew nearly 600,000 visitors and secured over 280 billion yuan (approximately $39 billion) in global orders. Among the notable attendees was Russia’s former defense chief, as reported by state media.

Here’s a look at some of the standout weapon systems showcased at the event:

J-35A Stealth Fighter

China’s much-anticipated J-35A stealth fighter, more than a decade in the making, made a major debut at the airshow. As Beijing seeks to match the United States’ capabilities, the J-35A represents a significant milestone in China’s quest to strengthen its air force.

This new fighter is China’s second stealth jet, following the introduction of the J-20 in 2017. With its addition to the fleet, China becomes only the second nation after the U.S. to operate two types of stealth fighters.

The J-35A bears some resemblance to the U.S. F-35, though it stands apart with its dual-engine configuration, compared to the F-35’s single turbofan engine. With a maximum takeoff weight nearing 30 tons, military experts have hailed the J-35A as a “breakthrough” in China’s development of medium-sized stealth fighters.

According to Song Xinzhi, a former researcher with the PLA Air Force, the J-35A is primarily an air force variant, with a naval version expected to be unveiled soon.

Wei Dongxu, a military commentator, emphasized the J-35A’s versatility, noting that it is not only capable of air combat but can also execute precision strikes on both ground and maritime targets. The fighter can carry a wide range of precision-guided munitions in its internal weapons bay, including small air-launched cruise missiles.

Drone Mothership ‘Jetank’

China’s Jetank, a massive drone mothership capable of carrying up to six tons of payload, made waves at the airshow. With a wingspan of 25 meters (82 feet) and a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons, it is one of the largest weapons of its kind in China’s arsenal.

This jet-powered attack and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is equipped with eight external hardpoints for carrying missiles and bombs, along with a versatile mission module that can easily be swapped out to carry different types of smaller drones.

According to Chinese military expert Du Wenlong, the Jetank reimagines the concept of an aircraft carrier, transforming it from the sea to the air. “It enables the deployment of multiple drones onto the battlefield by launching them mid-air,” he stated, calling it a “significant innovation.”

HQ-19 Anti-Ballistic Missile System

China’s HQ-19, a new-generation surface-to-air missile system, has drawn comparisons to the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system. Mounted on a high-mobility 8×8 vehicle, the HQ-19 is capable of carrying six interceptor missiles and features a “cold launch” mechanism, which minimizes stress on the launcher and allows for faster redeployment of interceptors.

While China has not disclosed the full technical specifications of the system, it is believed to be capable of intercepting ballistic missiles outside Earth’s atmosphere, enhancing the interception range beyond previous models like the HQ-9. According to the U.S. Department of Defense’s 2020 report, the HQ-19 has undergone tests to assess its ability to target long-range ballistic missiles with ranges up to 3,000 kilometers.

Chinese military experts have suggested that the HQ-19 can also intercept hypersonic glide vehicles, which are known for their unpredictable trajectories. “These weapons are difficult to track due to their erratic paths,” said PLA Senior Col. Du Wenlong from the PLA Academy of Military Sciences.

“However, our radar system can track these complex trajectories and guide the missile for a final strike,” he explained, adding that the combination of the HQ-19 missile and radar system allows China to neutralize these threats with a single missile and radar, unlike other countries that deploy multiple warheads.

Stealth Drone Ship ‘Orca’

The Orca, officially known as the JARI-USV-A, is a cutting-edge, high-speed stealth unmanned surface combat vessel. Weighing in at 500 tons, the vessel is designed for minimal radar detection and boasts a unique trimaran hull, providing exceptional stability in rough seas, according to state media reports.

With dimensions of 58 meters (190 feet) in length, 23 meters (75 feet) in beam, and 4 meters (13 feet) in depth, the Orca can reach speeds of up to 40 knots and cover a range of 4,000 nautical miles. This impressive range allows it to carry out extended missions without the need for resupply, as reported by China Military Online, the Chinese military’s official English-language news website.

Described as an autonomous combat platform, the Orca is likened to a mobile fortress capable of executing various missions, such as long-range fire strikes, air and missile defense, and anti-submarine operations. The vessel is also suited for low to medium-intensity military and non-military tasks, including patrols and security around key strategic areas such as bases, ports, islands, reefs, and critical maritime routes.

The Orca is equipped with advanced technology, including four phased-array radars and a vertical launch system, enabling it to deploy rockets, anti-ship missiles, air defense systems, and remote-controlled weapon stations. Additionally, the ship features a rear platform for unmanned helicopters and a small docking bay at the stern to launch underwater devices or sensors for submarine detection.

PL-15E Air-To-Air Missile

China also showcased the PL-15E, an advanced version of its long-range air-to-air missile. Featuring folding tailfins, the missile is designed to be more compact for storage in the country’s stealth fighter jets.

Displayed alongside the J-35A stealth fighter jet, the PL-15E is one of China’s most formidable air-to-air weapons, with a range of around 200 kilometers and a top speed exceeding five times the speed of sound. Often compared to the U.S. AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, the PL-15E solidifies China’s growing missile capabilities.

Su-57 Stealth Fighter

Russia’s most advanced fighter jet, the Su-57, also made its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow, marking its first appearance outside of Russia. The Su-57’s presence underscored the deepening military cooperation between China and Russia. Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s former defense minister, visited the airshow during his trip to China for annual strategic security consultations, where he observed the Su-57 on display.

At the airshow, the first contracts were signed for the export of the Su-57 to international buyers, though the identities of the purchasers were not disclosed, according to Russian news agency Tass.

India’s Successful Hypersonic Missile Test Puts It Among Elite Nations

Meanwhile, India has successfully tested a domestically developed long-range hypersonic missile, marking a significant milestone in its military capabilities and positioning the country among a select group of nations with this advanced technology.

Hypersonic weapons are a focal point for several countries, including India, as they work to develop cutting-edge long-range missile systems. Along with China, Russia, and the United States, India is now part of the global push to master this technology.

Developed by the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its industry partners, the Indian missile is designed to carry payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 km (930 miles), providing enhanced capabilities for the country’s armed forces.

According to a government statement, the flight data confirmed that the missile successfully executed terminal maneuvers and struck with a high degree of precision. The test was conducted on Saturday from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the eastern coast of Odisha state.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as a “historic achievement” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that it firmly establishes India among a small group of nations possessing such advanced and critical technologies.